Taiwan plans to select two floating offshore wind demonstration sites, with the option of adding a third, to test technologies and financing models for projects in deeper waters, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said in a Tuesday statement.
The ministry's Energy Administration said at a briefing on Friday that it expects to begin contractor selection in 2027.
Under the draft selection mechanism, each proposed site must have six to 12 floating platforms and be completed and connected to the grid by the end of 2032. Projects that have installed all platforms or connected at least half to the grid by then may complete construction and grid connection in 2033.
Projects will be assessed on three criteria: technical capability, financial capability, and sustainability cooperation.
Technical evaluation will focus on teams' ability to plan and execute floating offshore wind projects. Financial criteria will assess funding capacity and financial structure, while sustainability criteria will cover environmental protection, local cooperation and talent development.
The demonstration program will help Taiwan evaluate floating platform technologies, power-generation efficiency, port and prefabrication requirements, and financing models as offshore wind development moves into deeper waters.
The Energy Administration said the briefing sought input from industry and other stakeholders to improve the selection mechanism.
The government aims to strengthen Taiwan's offshore wind industry and support its goals of energy self-sufficiency and a net-zero transition, the ministry said.